Workforce cuts drive shift in personnel services delivery Published May 8, 2008 By Capt. Bob Everdeen Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- Personnel Services Delivery and Program Budget Decision 720 are two key programs that continue to push significant transformation in the Air Force. One of the newest changes making its way here is a product of both the streamlined personnel processes and increased manpower cuts resulting from PSD and PBD 720. The Base Level Service Delivery Model, or BLSDM, is the latest process developed by Air Force A1 to allow for continued personnel services in a career field that saw a 39-percent force reduction across the Air Force after PBD 720. This huge cut drove the personnel community to develop new ways of doing business while taking advantage of emerging technology, as well as the expertise and services provided by the Air Force Contact Center via 24/7 operations. "BLSDM basically means that without an Air Force-approved waiver there will no longer be squadron commander support staffs," said Col. James Playford, the Air Force Materiel Command A1 deputy director. "Under this model the majority of personnel authorizations will move to the Military Personnel Element within the Force Support Squadron. Commanders will be given access to the 'Commander's Dashboard,' a tool designed to allow them to obtain personnel products. Additional personnel services will also be available online." The Air Force has implemented BLSDM at 46 bases and plans to have all personnel support programs back at most Military Personnel Flights at 74 locations by October. Officials say BLSDM should be fully employed at Wright-Patterson AFB by July 2009. "Two of the biggest challenges facing commanders under the BLSDM construct are how to manage the myriad of additional duties that have migrated to the Commander's Support Staff and concerns about not having personnel 'expertise' at their beckon call," said Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Plohocky, the AFMC A1 chief. "Over the years CSS personnel have taken on additional duties inherent to command positions that were not core personnel duties. While these are often important tasks, the fact remains that with the recent manpower cuts, the personnel career field can no longer support these additional duties. In regard to providing commanders with personnel expertise, the goal is to continue to provide the same service we have now, but the delivery will be via the FSS and Commander's Dashboard; we're aiming toward no degradation in service. Additionally, the lines of communication with Air Force A1 will be wide open for recommendations on how to accomplish these goals via the 'Quick Response Cell.'" The transformation taking place under BLSDM and PSD 720 will change the face of personnel actions. Right now there's roughly 85 percent face-to-face interaction and 15 percent online personnel transactions taking place between Airmen and the MPF, Chief Plohocky said. "Look for those numbers to flip with BLSDM and PSD." According to Pentagon officials, the Air Force no longer has the capability or luxury to carry the burden of non-core requirements resident in squadron overhead and administration. This is the case in the personnel career field and requires innovative solutions as the shift to BLSDM takes place. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page